– SITC principal tells fellow BIT graduates

FOR Principal of the Sabeelur Islamic Training Centre (SITC), Rayad Khan, earning does not relate to finances only; it also means experiences, opportunities and moments of growth.

Khan gave this perspective while speaking at a Board of Industrial Training (BIT) graduation held at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LTVTC) in Region Three last week, where 55 persons, including himself, received certificates of completion for various skills- training programmes through BIT. Both the SITC and LTVTC facilitated the training.

As Guyana continues to advance, so does the job market, where the need for skilled persons is in demand. Encouraging youths to learn as much as they can through trainings such as these, Khan stated that the opportunities available today were not available years ago.

Youths today have access to free training that guarantees them qualifications to take up roles in any area they choose, from hospitality and catering, to plumbing and welding.

Khan expressed, “You are never too old to learn and you are never too young to earn. Often when we speak about earning, most of the time the person thinks it is money. But there are so many other things we can earn. Earn experience. We can earn opportunities, and every moment of our lives is a moment to grow.”

Recognising BIT, Khan said they are providing people with equal opportunities, where people across Guyana can benefit collectively.

According to the principal, “We respect the efforts that the Ministry of Labour, what they are doing, the lives they are changing, the Board of Industrial Training, and, this should continue, and we should continue to support this. At our institution, it’s about the combination of religious studies, academic studies, and also an institution of technical and vocational studies. This is what is needed in our society, this is what is needed in our country. And we will continue to work and collaborate with the Board of Industrial Training, it’s our honour,” Khan affirmed.

For 2025 some $677.5 million was allocated to BIT for training that is expected to benefit more than 2,000 persons.

For Region Three alone over the last five years, government has implemented 97 projects, benefitting 1,696 individuals — 794 males and 902 females — through an investment of $141.6 million.

These achievements, according to Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, go beyond numbers as they represent enriched families, stronger households and resilient communities.